The Department of Languages recently hosted an online workshop titled Story-Mapping Migrations: Interview Techniques and Digital Tools for Powerful Narratives. This workshop emphasised the intricate art of interviewing, honing skills essential for capturing migration stories with sensitivity and impact. The session highlighted the importance of timing, phrasing, and approach in interviews, where asking the right questions in the right way fosters openness and authenticity. This "polite inquisition" approach taught participants to balance empathy and brevity, creating a comfortable space for interviewees to share their stories.
A key takeaway was the necessity of thorough research. Preparing informed, specific questions ensures engaging dialogues, as superficial queries often lead to disinterest or shallow responses. The art of listening emerged as equally vital: by actively listening and asking thoughtful follow-up questions, interviewers can deepen the narrative, making interviewees feel valued and understood. Additionally, the workshop underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity, including dressing appropriately to show respect for the interviewee’s background.
Participants also explored practical techniques for Story-Mapping using digital tools such as Knight Lab, which facilitates linear narrative mapping. Knight Lab's tool enabled students to anchor stories in chronological order, offering a structured, accessible way to document migration journeys. Story-Mapping not only enhances narrative flow but also enriches it by combining geographical and narrative elements, allowing audiences to follow the story visually and emotionally.
To bring these techniques to life, the workshop included an analysis of interview styles from popular figures like Sean Evans of Hot Ones and Indian journalist Karan Thapar. These case studies provided visual examples of how successful interviewers create engaging conversations without losing focus. By observing their approaches, students learned how to maintain thematic coherence while still encouraging dynamic exchanges.
The workshop also introduced the concept of "real-time" storytelling, emphasising the value of grounding stories within a specific timeline. This approach gives narratives structure and coherence, making them more impactful and relatable. Students practised structuring stories chronologically, gaining an appreciation for how a well-sequenced narrative can help audiences grasp the complexities of migration.
In conclusion, this workshop was a highly engaging experience, equipping students with both the philosophical and technical tools needed to excel in narrative storytelling. The speaker’s insights into Story-Mapping, along with the demonstration of Knight Lab’s digital tools, highlighted the power of combining narrative with technology. Through Story-Mapping, students discovered a potent technique that weaves geography and narrative, creating experiences that engage both intellect and imagination. Inspired by this session, students left eager to craft stories that not only inform and captivate but also resonate with audiences for years to come.
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